suspicion

1 [uncountable,countable]a feeling that somebody has done something wrong, illegal or dishonest, even though you have no proofThey drove away slowly to avoid arousing suspicion.He was arrested on suspicion of murder.suspicion (that…)I have a sneaking suspicion that she's not telling the truth.My suspicions were confirmed when police raided the property.She was reluctant to voice her suspicions.His resignation seemed only to fuel suspicions.It’s time to confront him with our suspicions.see alsosuspect

2 [countable]suspicion (that…)a feeling or belief that something is true, even though you have no proofI have a horrible suspicion that we've come to the wrong station.

3 [uncountable,countable]the feeling that you cannot trust somebody/somethingTheir offer was greeted with some suspicion.Water from shallow wells should be regarded with suspicion, as it may be contaminated.

4[singular]suspicion of something(formal)a small amount of somethingsynonymhintHis mouth quivered in the suspicion of a smile.Wasn’t there even a suspicion of truth in what he said?

. The change in the second syllable was due to association with Old Frenchsuspicion (from Latinsuspicio(n-)

‘suspicion’

).Extra examplesBoys were an immediate object of suspicion to her.He ended his athletics career under a cloud of suspicion when he refused to take a drug test.He fell under suspicion of tax evasion.Her remarks lacked even the faintest suspicion of humour.I don’t think he had the slightest suspicion anything was wrong.I have a nasty suspicion he’s organized a surprise party for me.My worst suspicions were realized when I received my redundancy notice.Our suspicions turned out to be groundless.Parked vehicles that arouse suspicion should be reported to the police.She confided her suspicions to no one but her diary.She was anxious to allay any suspicion that she had married for money.Strong suspicion attached to the victim’s boyfriend.Suspicions against the former leader remain.The finger of suspicion pointed to Gilbert Cash, a close friend of the victim.The parked car outside only served to fuel his suspicions.The police must have reasonable grounds for suspicion before they can get a search warrant.The suspicion exists that Harries is stealing money from the company safe.Their suspicions were further fuelled when both men failed to turn up to the appointment.There is strong suspicion on both sides that information is being withheld.They thought the head teacher was beyond suspicion.They viewed the new plan with great suspicion.We had our suspicions as to who did it, but nothing could be proved.an atmosphere of mutual suspicionarrested on suspicion of briberyhis suspicions about the candidate’s backgroundinformation that casts suspicion on one of the most powerful figures in the partyodd behaviour that invites suspicionto be arrested/​detained/​held/​questioned on suspicion of somethingI had a horrible suspicion that we’d come to the wrong station.I have a sneaking suspicion that she’s not telling the truth.It’s time to confront him with our suspicions.The fiasco confirmed her suspicions that no thought had been put into planning the event.The police would arrive at the slightest suspicion of trouble.Idioms